Adapter for attachment to a game controller

Abstract

A video game controller adapter for use with a video game controller includes a housing adapted for attachment to the controller, a game actuator mechanism, and a function control module. The function control module is operatively connectable to the game console for transmitting electronic signals to the game console. The function control module is operatively connectable to the controller for receiving game functions from the controller. The function control module is operatively connected to the at least one game actuator mechanism, and configurable to, in response to actuation of the game actuator mechanism, transmit an adapter game function assigned to the game actuator mechanism to the game console. A method of adding a game control actuation mechanism to a game controller, includes the steps of: attaching the adapter to the game controller; and establishing a connection between the function control module and both of the controller and the game console.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A video game controller adapter for use with a video game controller and a game console, the adapter comprising:
 (a) a housing adapted for attachment to the controller without modifying the controller; 
 (b) at least one game actuator mechanism; and 
 (c) a function control module comprising electronic circuitry, wherein the function control module is operatively connected or connectable to:
 the game console for transmitting electronic signals to the game console; 
 the controller for receiving game functions from the controller; and 
 the at least one game actuator mechanism, and wherein the function control module is configurable to, in response to actuation of the game actuator mechanism, transmit an adapter game function assigned to the game actuator mechanism to the game console. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The adapter of  claim 1  wherein the housing is adapted for attachment to the controller by having a shape adapted to be placed in a compartment of the controller. 
     
     
       3. The adapter of  claim 1  wherein the at least one game actuator mechanism comprises at least one lever which extends along an underside of the controller when the adapter is attached to the controller. 
     
     
       4. The adapter of  claim 3  wherein a finger-engaging surface of the lever is oriented vertically, when the housing is secured to the controller. 
     
     
       5. The adapter of  claim 3  wherein the controller comprises a hand grip comprising a finger-contacting surface, wherein the finger-engaging surface of the lever is disposed immediately adjacent the finger-contacting surface of the hand grip, when the housing is attached to the controller. 
     
     
       6. The adapter of  claim 5  wherein the finger-engaging surface of the lever and the finger-contacting surface of the hand grip extend substantially parallel to each other, when the housing is attached to the controller. 
     
     
       7. The adapter of  claim 3  wherein the at least one lever comprises a left lever switch and a right lever switch. 
     
     
       8. The adapter of  claim 7  wherein the function control module is configured to be programmable by a user to assign, as adapter game functions, a selected game function or functions to each of the left and right lever switches. 
     
     
       9. The adapter of  claim 8  wherein the selected game function or functions is a standard game function associated with a game controller button of the video game controller, a customized game function, or a combination of game functions. 
     
     
       10. The adapter of  claim 8  wherein the function control module comprises a memory component adapted to store programmed selections or combinations of game functions assigned to each lever switch. 
     
     
       11. A method of adding a game control actuation mechanism to a game controller for use with a game console, comprising the steps of:
 (a) attaching an adapter to the game controller without permanently modifying the game controller, wherein the adapter comprises at least one game actuator mechanism, and a function control module comprising electronic circuitry, wherein the function control module is operatively connected or connectable to:
 the game console for transmitting electronic signals to the game console; 
 the controller for receiving game functions from the controller; and 
 the at least one game actuator mechanism, and wherein the function control module is configurable to, in response to actuation of the game actuator mechanism, transmit an adapter game function assigned to the game actuator mechanism to the game console; 
 
 (b) establishing a connection between the controller and the function control module; and 
 (c) establishing a connection between the function control module and the game console. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11  wherein attaching the adapter to the game controller comprises placing the adapter in a compartment of the controller. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11  wherein the at least one game actuator mechanism comprises at least one lever which extends along an underside of the controller when the adapter is attached to the controller. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13  wherein a finger-engaging surface of the lever is oriented vertically, when the adapter is secured to the controller. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13  wherein the controller comprises a hand grip comprising a finger-contacting surface, wherein the finger-engaging surface of the lever is disposed immediately adjacent the finger-contacting surface of the hand grip, when the adapter is attached to the controller. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15  wherein the finger-engaging surface of the lever and the finger-contacting surface of the hand grip extend substantially parallel to each other, when the adapter is attached to the controller. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 13  wherein the at least one lever comprises a left lever switch and a right lever switch. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17  comprising the further step of programming the function control module to assign, as adapter game functions, a selected game function or functions to each of the left and right lever switches. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18  wherein the selected game function or functions is a standard game function associated with a game controller button of the video game controller, a customized game function, or a combination of game functions. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 18  comprising the further step of storing programmed selections or combinations of game functions assigned to each lever switch in a memory component of the function control module. 
     
     
       21. A video game controller system for use with a game console, comprising:
 (a) a video game controller; 
 (b) at least one game actuator mechanism adapted for attachment to the controller without modifying the controller; and 
 (c) a function control module comprising electronic circuitry, wherein the function control module is operatively connected or connectable to:
 the game console for transmitting electronic signals to the game console; 
 the controller for receiving game functions from the controller; and 
 the at least one game actuator mechanism, and wherein the function control module is configurable to, in response to actuation of the game actuator mechanism, transmit an adapter game function assigned to the game actuator mechanism to the game console.